CYCLISTS GEAR UP FOR SUMMER RACES AND TOURS

Mark MandernachCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Calling all northwest suburban cyclists. It's time to climb aboard your 10-speed guernsey, excuse me, bicycle for the 11th annual Udder Century. The June 6 bike race is one of the most popular family fitness events every year in McHenry County, according to Fred Stresen-Rueter of Richmond, one of the organizers.

"It really is an incredible event," Stresen-Rueter said. "We attract 1,000 or so people every year, and to see that many people on their bicycles taking off all at once is really something. And it's a beautiful ride through some very pretty areas. Depending on how far you go, you'll see McHenry County, western Kane County and southern Wisconsin."

The Udder Century, which is sponsored by the McHenry County Bicycle Club, begins at 7 a.m. at the Antique Village Museum in Union. Participants can ride 30, 50, 75, or 100 miles. Stresen-Rueter (815-648-4216) will attempt to ride the "century," or 100 miler.

"The nice thing about the Udder is that with its varying distances, we attract amateurs up to cycling professionals," Stressen-Rueter said. "And since we've done this event 10 times already, we have everything figured out pretty well. It's a first-class ride."

Of course, the Udder is only one of several annual events for northwest suburban cyclists, from weekend enthusiasts to top-flight competitors and everyone in-between, including the charity-minded.

For instance, the American Lung Association of Du Page and McHenry Counties will sponsor its eighth annual Lake Tour Bicycle Trek June 11-13. The 150-mile, three-day ride goes from Crystal Lake to Rockford on Day 1, Rockford to Lake Geneva on Day 2 and back to Crystal Lake on Day 3. Participants will stay in the Clock Tower Inn in Rockford and the Abbey in Lake Geneva. Call 469-2400 for information.

"The Lake Tour provides the biking novice (opportunity) to get involved in a long-distance ride," said Ellen Lange, director of development. "There's a rest stop every 15 miles, and we provide lots of other support for the riders. We make it very easy for people."

Serious cyclists will descend on Hoffman Estates July 18 at 7:30 a.m. for the 9th annual 20-mile bike race sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Park District (885-7500) and Schaumburg Schwinn. Riders begin at Huntington Park and ride through the north area of Hoffman Estates.

"We attract very serious bike racers to this event," said Julie Toremba, park district superintendent of recreation. "Our best racers complete the course in under 42 minutes. Racers come from all over the Chicago area to compete."

The Chicago Lung Association's Bicycle Across the Magnificent Miles of Illinois (BAMMI) will once again depart from Arlington International Racecourse. The 11th annual BAMMI commences on Aug. 7 at 9 a.m., and participants can choose the 150-mile weekend ride from Arlington Heights to Freeport or the weeklong 500-mile ride from Arlington Heights to downstate Jacksonville. Call 312-243-2000.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's third annual Cycle Tour '93, which includes 25, 50 and 100 mile rides, will begin at McHenry County College on Aug. 21. Call 312-236-4491.

And the Season's End Cycling Celebration, which benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (312-922-8000), is set for Sept. 18-19. Riders will start in Libertyville, ride 45 miles to Lake Geneva, stay overnight and return the next day.

"Last year was our first try, and we had about 400 participants. Things went so well that we're expecting more than 800 riders this year," said Cindy Kaitcer, manager of special events. "We like to say that we combine fun, friendship and fitness at this event. And people can pedal at their own pace."

In addition, Bikes Plus in Arlington Heights, Barrington and Schaumburg is sponsoring three leisure rides this summer. On June 6, bicyclists will start in Arlington Heights to tour historic neighborhoods and then head to Busse Woods in Schaumburg. June 18 is the 12-mile Longest Day Ride in Barrington. And July 11 is the Barrington Snow White 50 for women only, which includes 12, 30 and 60-mile rides. Call 398-1650.

And if you're interested in joining a local bicycle club, there are several to choose from, including the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (312-427-3325), Wheeling Wheelmen (367-6472), McHenry County Bicycle Club (815-337-5996), the Arlington Heights Bicycle Association (398-4633), the Fox Valley Bicycle Club (584-7353) and the Mt. Prospect Bicycle Club (439-9830).